I addition to the previously mentioned rubber mounted engine. The frame was also made larger in 04, and many many other changes. If you want to do any customization, it seems that it's starting to become more difficult to find accessories for the years prior to 2004. Very few parts that fit 04 and later will fit the 03. That's just something else to consider.

 

I would argue that (and someone can call me FOS) the 1200 benefitted more from the rubber mounting than the 883.

I rode the 883 solid mount and 1200 rubber mount the same day and found them to be comparable in through the seat/bars vibration.

I would tend to believe the 100th anniversary is going to command a bit more $ now and later. I've shopped them myself and have seen that on the big sales lists.

 

I agree with Sportypig.The parts all seem to go fromthe 90's-2003.Then they go from 2004-2007.They switched alot of things from 2003-2004.

 

yeah I noticed the parts from blah - 03, 04-07 thing, that's why I"m so hesitant about it, and I'd buy the nightster in a heartbeat but 1. it's more expansive, 2. this'll be my first bike, I"m 5'9 and about 85kg...... so........

I wouldn't mind a "top-heavy" wife :P

 

and btw Whaap.... I don't know if you're chinese or not, or if u did that on purpose or not. but if what I think is right, that's suppose to mean Peace but you got the words left-right reversed... (I mean the two chinese letters in ur sig)

 

I'm 5'9" and 170# (also 62 years old) and had no trouble with my Sportie once I got the feel for it. I went with the 883 because it was all I caredto spend at the time and it was the bike I really wanted. I'm into the Dyna for about the same price as a new Nightster.

 

I had an Evolution 883 with 4 speeds and chain drive for several years and it shook a lot. Vibration limited the time I could ride nonstop.

I also rented a 1200 2004 Sportster (rubber mounted engine) and the reduced vibration was a lot less. Personally I would not get a Sportster unless it was 2004 or later with rubber engine mounts.